Susan Saint James’ five children have become a focus of renewed public interest following reports of the Emmy-winning actress’s passing on October 26, 2026, at the age of 80. The McMillan & Wife and Kate & Allie star was the mother of Sunshine Lucas, Harmony Lucas, Charlie Ebersol, Willie Ebersol and Edward “Teddy” Ebersol. Her children came from two marriages, with some following their family’s entertainment legacy while others chose to maintain private lives. Her youngest son, Teddy, tragically passed away in a plane crash in 2004 at just 14 years old.
Saint James spent decades balancing her successful television career with motherhood. Although audiences knew her for portraying memorable characters, her family remained an important part of her personal life, particularly after her marriage to television executive Dick Ebersol in 1981.
How Many Children Did Susan Saint James Have?
Susan Saint James had five children, including one daughter and four sons.
Her first two children, Sunshine and Harmony Lucas, were born during her marriage to makeup artist Tom Lucas, whom she married in 1971.
After their marriage ended in 1977, Saint James eventually married Dick Ebersol, a prominent television executive and former chairman of NBC Sports.
The couple welcomed three sons together: Charlie, Willie and Teddy Ebersol.
While Charlie and Willie established careers connected to television and entertainment, Sunshine and Harmony largely remained outside the public spotlight.
Four of Saint James’ children survived into adulthood, while Teddy was killed in a private aircraft accident in November 2004.
Sunshine Lucas: Her Only Daughter
Sunshine Lucas, born in 1972, is Susan Saint James’ eldest child and only daughter.
She was born during the actress’s marriage to Tom Lucas, several years before Saint James married Dick Ebersol.
Unlike her famous mother, Sunshine has generally avoided public attention and has not pursued a widely documented career in Hollywood.
Information about her professional activities, relationships and family life remains limited.
Her preference for privacy distinguishes her from some of her younger half-brothers, who became involved in entertainment and media production.
Despite her relatively low public profile, Sunshine remains an important part of Saint James’ family history.
Harmony Lucas: Her Eldest Son
Harmony Lucas was born in 1974 and is Susan Saint James’ second child with Tom Lucas.
He is the actress’s eldest son and grew up during a period when his mother was becoming increasingly successful on American television.
Saint James was widely recognized for her performance in McMillan & Wife during the 1970s, meaning Harmony spent his early childhood with a mother who was already a familiar television personality.
However, Harmony did not establish the same level of public recognition as his mother.
He has generally maintained a private lifestyle, and relatively little verified information is available about his career or personal relationships.
His decision to remain outside the entertainment spotlight reflects the different paths taken by Saint James’ children.
Charlie Ebersol: Television Producer and Entrepreneur
Charlie Ebersol, born in 1982, is Susan Saint James’ eldest child with Dick Ebersol.
He followed his parents into the entertainment industry, developing a career as a television producer, director and businessman.
Charlie became involved in documentary filmmaking and television production, working on projects that combined storytelling with sports and entertainment.
He also played a prominent role in developing the Alliance of American Football, a professional American football league that launched in 2019.
The league was created as an alternative spring football competition but suspended operations during its inaugural season.
Charlie’s professional activities reflect the influence of growing up with a mother known for acting and a father recognized for his leadership in sports broadcasting.
He has also spoken publicly about experiences that shaped his personal life, including the devastating plane crash involving his family in 2004.
Willie Ebersol: Emmy-Winning Director
Willie Ebersol, born in 1986, is Susan Saint James’ second son with Dick Ebersol.
Like his older brother Charlie, Willie pursued a career in television and filmmaking.
He became known for his work as a director, screenwriter and producer, contributing to entertainment programs and sports-related productions.
His work has received industry recognition, including an Emmy Award.
Growing up in a family closely associated with television provided Willie with exposure to different aspects of entertainment production.
However, he developed his own professional identity through directing and creative storytelling rather than following his mother’s acting career.
Willie has generally maintained a more private public profile than some members of his family.
Teddy Ebersol: Her Youngest Son
Edward “Teddy” Ebersol was born in 1990 and was the youngest of Susan Saint James’ five children.
His life was tragically cut short on November 28, 2004, when a private aircraft crashed during takeoff at Montrose Regional Airport in Colorado.
Teddy was only 14 years old.
His father, Dick Ebersol, and older brother Charlie were also aboard the aircraft. Both survived the accident, although they sustained serious injuries.
The tragedy became one of the most difficult experiences in the family’s history.
Teddy’s passing profoundly affected Susan Saint James, Dick Ebersol and their children, who subsequently supported efforts to preserve his memory through community and youth-focused initiatives.
His name became associated with charitable activities and programs intended to provide opportunities for young people.
Susan Saint James’ Marriage to Dick Ebersol
Susan Saint James married Dick Ebersol in 1981 after meeting him when she hosted Saturday Night Live.
Their relationship developed quickly, and the couple married approximately six weeks after their first meeting.
Ebersol was already establishing himself as an influential television executive and later became one of the most recognizable figures in American sports broadcasting.
Together, they raised Charlie, Willie and Teddy while maintaining connections with Saint James’ two older children.
Their marriage lasted approximately 45 years, making it the longest relationship in the actress’s personal life.
The couple also became grandparents, with their extended family reportedly including seven grandchildren.
How Her Children Continued the Family Legacy
Susan Saint James’ children followed different paths, reflecting the variety of interests within her family.
Charlie and Willie developed careers in television, filmmaking and sports entertainment, continuing the family’s connection to the media industry.
Sunshine and Harmony maintained comparatively private lives, choosing not to pursue the same level of public recognition.
Teddy’s memory remained an important part of the family’s history following the 2004 accident.
Saint James’ experiences as a mother included both professional celebrations and profound personal challenges.
Following reports of her passing in October 2026, attention has returned to the five children who shaped much of her life beyond television.
Although Susan Saint James became famous through her performances in McMillan & Wife and Kate & Allie, her family story remains an equally significant part of her legacy. Her children represent different generations of that history, from private family lives to successful careers in entertainment.